Winter Olympics Bring Drama and Controversy as Skimo Makes Debut and Trump-Appointed Panel Approves White House Project

The 2026 Winter Olympics are in full swing, with athletes from around the world competing in a variety of events. One of the most highly anticipated events, ski mountaineering, made its Olympic debut in Bormio, Italy, with rapid runs and heavy snowfall adding to the excitement.

Skimo, as it's commonly known, involves skiing and hiking up and down mountains, with athletes using specialized equipment to navigate the challenging terrain. The sport has gained popularity in recent years, and its inclusion in the Olympics has been met with enthusiasm from fans and athletes alike.

However, the Olympics have not been without controversy. In a dramatic finish to the women's curling round-robin, the US team beat Switzerland 7-6 in an extra end, knocking Great Britain out of the competition. The US will now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face off against other top teams.

Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., a Trump-appointed panel has approved a project to renovate the White House ballroom. The commission, made up of appointees chosen by former President Donald Trump, signed off on the design after architects made changes in response to concerns. The project has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The White House ballroom project has been in the works for several years, with the goal of updating the historic space to make it more functional and modern. However, the project has faced numerous delays and setbacks, including concerns over the design and the cost.

Despite the controversy, the Trump-appointed panel has given the project the green light, paving the way for construction to begin. The project is expected to be completed in the coming months, although a specific timeline has not been released.

As the Olympics continue, athletes and fans alike will be keeping a close eye on the competition. With ski mountaineering making its debut and the US women's curling team advancing to the semi-finals, there is plenty of excitement to go around. However, the controversy surrounding the White House ballroom project serves as a reminder that even in the midst of celebration and competition, politics and controversy can never be far behind.

Sources:

• Trump-appointed panel approves White House ballroom project
• GB women out of curling as USA beat Swiss in extra-end thriller
• Rapid runs and heavy snowfall - Skimo's Olympic debut